Siberian Cat Breed

This friendly and affectionate feline will follow you around as you go about your day, and purr in your lap as you comb her coat. Siberian Cats love their humans but aren’t shy around strangers.

Temperament

They’re an active and playful breed, enjoying games like fetch and learning tricks that stimulate them mentally. Their athleticism allows them to climb and perch themselves from the highest heights. This bold cat loves to play with water and gets along well with other pets and children.

Lifespan

11 to 15

Colors

Siberians come in a full spectrum of colors and patterns.

Characteristics

The Siberian’s head is wedge-shaped with soft contours, topped by medium to large tufted ears. Their nearly round eyes range from shades of green to gold to copper, though white Siberians or those with white markings or patches may have blue eyes or eyes of different colors. Strong-boned legs and round, tufted paws support their muscular body and long, thick tail.

History

Because of the subarctic climate of its homeland in Russia, the Siberian’s coat is long, thick and protective. References to Siberian Cats date back at least 1,000 years, and they were prized for their ability to keep mice and other rodents away from food sources.

They weren’t exported until after the Cold War and were first imported to the U.S. in 1990. In 1996, The International Cat Association (TICA) recognized the breed, followed by its acceptance to the American Cat Fanciers Association (ACFA) in 1999 and the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) in 2006.

Facts

• The Siberian Cat appears in Russian fairy tales, folktales and children’s books.
• Records about the breed weren’t kept until the 1980s, although references to the feline date back to 1,000 A.D. They may even be the ancestors to other longhaired cats, including the Norwegian Forest Cat and Maine Coon.
• They are sometimes referred to as Siberian Forest Cats or Moscow Longhairs.
• There are claims Siberians are hypoallergenic, but this hasn’t been scientifically proven.

Shedding

Siberians shed seasonally in the spring and fall. To keep their coat tangle- and mat-free, brush them a few times per week. Baths are rarely needed, thanks to their water-resistant triple coat.

Health

Siberian Cats are a relatively healthy breed. Like many other breeds, however, they do have a slightly higher risk for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a form of heart disease characterized by an enlarged heart.

Choosing the Best Food for Siberian Cats

Siberians need a cat food that provides them complete and balanced nutrition based on their age and activity levels. High-protein options like Pro Plan Savor Shredded Blend Formulas will provide them the fuel these energetic felines need.

Choosing the Best Food for Siberian Kittens

Like other large-breed cats, Siberians take up to 5 years to reach full maturity, though they’ll transition to adult cat food before then. During their early formative years, however, they need a kitten food provide essential nutrients for healthy growth and development, such as Pro Plan Focus Kitten Chicken & Rice Formula.